Hilo Adventure Tour
Trip Highlights
Flexible Itinerary for your Bucket-List Stops
2 Iconic Waterfalls
Black Sand Beach
Explore Lava Caves
Gentle Nature Hikes
Hilo Stroll/Shopping
Tour is Customizable
Description
Discover the best of East Hawaiʻi on our fully customizable Hilo Adventure Tour—a 9–10 hour journey through lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and the laid-back charm of Hilo. Traveling along the scenic Saddle Road route, this immersive full-day experience takes you to the vibrant, tropical beauty of the east side.
Begin with a peaceful 1-mile walk through native rainforest, where towering ʻōhiʻa trees and wild ferns create a serene, storybook setting. Continue on to some of Hawaiʻi Island’s most iconic waterfalls, including the misty beauty of Rainbow Falls and the breathtaking power of Akaka Falls.
At Rainbow Falls, enjoy an easy, short walk to a scenic viewing platform overlooking the 80-foot cascade. Known for the rainbows that frequently appear in its mist on sunny mornings, this iconic waterfall is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and flows into a picturesque pool—making it a favorite for both visitors and locals.
At Akaka Falls, stretch your legs on an easy-to-moderate half-mile loop trail through dense bamboo groves and vibrant greenery. Along the path, you’ll encounter multiple viewpoints of the stunning 442-foot waterfall as it plunges into a misty basin below. You may also catch glimpses of nearby Kahuna Falls, adding to the area’s awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Experience the striking contrast of Hilo’s rugged coastline with a visit to Richardson Beach Park, a stunning black sand beach, then venture underground into the fascinating Kaumana Lava Caves—formed by ancient lava flows from Mauna Loa. Take in sweeping views at Boiling Pots, where the Wailuku River carves through volcanic rock formations, creating a series of terraced pools and cascades.
In Downtown Hilo, enjoy time to explore at your own pace. This charming area features an eclectic mix of local shops, art galleries, and restaurants that reflect the island’s diverse cultural influences. Stroll past historic buildings, relax in scenic parks, or visit the lively Hilo Farmers Market to browse fresh produce, handmade goods, and unique Hawaiian finds. Popular stops can also include Big Island Candies and Kula Shave Ice for a taste of local flavor.
With included snacks, refreshments, rain gear, and convenient hotel pickup, every detail is designed for a seamless and comfortable adventure. Optional meal stops can be built into your day (meal cost not included), and the entire experience is fully customizable—whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring volcanic wonders, or soaking in local culture, the Hilo Adventure Tour is tailored entirely to your interests and pace.
Itinerary
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Start your day with a convenient pick-up from the location of your choice, whether it’s your hotel, vacation rental, or another preferred spot—ensuring a smooth, stress-free beginning to your adventure.
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Your day begins with convenient pick-up directly from your hotel, where you’ll settle in and start your journey across the island. You’ll travel along the scenic Saddle Road route, winding between the towering volcanoes of Mauna Kea—the tallest mountain in the world when measured from sea level—and Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth by volume and area. This breathtaking drive offers sweeping views of rugged lava landscapes, vast open plains, and the dramatic contrasts that make this region so unforgettable—setting the tone for an incredible day of exploration ahead.
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Kualana Nature Trail (easy to moderate)
Walk through a Native bird sanctuary nestled in a 5000-year-old native Hawaiian forest. You’ll be taken back to what Hawai’i looked like and sounded like before even the earliest Hawaiian settlers. The plants and birds that you’ll see don't exist anywhere else in the world!
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Rainbow Falls, located in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai’i on the Wailuku river, the longest river in Hawai’i is an iconic 80-foot waterfall named for the rainbows that frequently form in its mist during sunny mornings. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, the falls cascade into a serene pool, creating a picturesque setting that attracts visitors year-round. The site is easily accessible and offers a short, scenic walk to the viewing platform, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
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Stretch your legs on this beautiful half-mile loop to see a 442 ft free-falling waterfall into a majestic pool below. Accessible via a picturesque, well-maintained loop trail, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the falls from several vantage points along the path. The trail meanders through a dense forest of bamboo and ferns, leading to an observation deck where the full splendor of Akaka Falls can be admired. The falls, along with the nearby Kahuna Falls, create a captivating display of nature's power and beauty.
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Richardson Beach Park is a beautiful black sand beach known for its striking black sand created by volcanic activity and the erosion of lava. This unique beach is not only a visual marvel but also a popular spot for observing Hawaiian green sea turtles or Honu in the Hawaiian language, which often bask on the shore. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque contrast of the dark sand glittered with olivine crystals against the vibrant blue ocean while appreciating the serene and rugged beauty of this coastal gem.
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Kaumana Caves offers a unique chance to explore a natural lava tube formed by past volcanic eruptions. Descend into this cool, underground cave and walk through a fascinating landscape of hardened lava, where filtered light from above creates an otherworldly atmosphere. It’s an unforgettable glimpse into the island’s volcanic origins and a fun, adventurous stop just outside of Hilo.
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Boiling Pots is a striking series of terraced pools along the Wailuku River, where rushing water creates the appearance of “boiling” during strong flows. Surrounded by lush rainforest, this scenic lookout offers a dramatic glimpse into the island’s raw natural power and is steeped in Hawaiian legend, adding a layer of cultural intrigue to its beauty.
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Downtown Hilo's eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, and restaurants showcases the island's diverse cultural influences, while its lush parks and scenic coastal views provide a relaxing backdrop. The area is also home to vibrant local markets, such as the Hilo Farmers Market, where fresh produce, local crafts, and unique Hawaiian goods are sold. Visitors can explore an array of historic buildings, including the striking Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and the old Hilo Theater, which reflect the city’s rich history.
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A stop at Big Island Candies is a treat for the senses, offering a taste of some of Hawai‘i’s finest handmade confections. Known for their signature shortbread cookies dipped in rich chocolate, delicate pastries, and locally inspired flavors, this beloved Hilo institution combines quality ingredients with a touch of island hospitality—perfect for sampling and picking up gifts to take home.
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A trip to Hawai'i isn't complete without shave ice. A visit to Kula Shave Ice is the perfect way to cool off with a refreshing island favorite. Known for its finely shaved, fluffy ice and vibrant tropical flavors, this local spot offers everything from classic fruit syrups to creative combinations topped with condensed milk or ice cream. It’s a simple, sweet treat that captures the laid-back spirit of Hawai‘i in every bite.
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At the end of your adventure, enjoy a convenient drop-off at the location of your choice, making for a seamless and stress-free finish to your day.
Tour Info
Duration
9 to 10 hours
Group Size
Up to 14 people
Price starts at
$1,900
Languages
English
Why take this tour?
The Hilo Adventure Tour offers a full day of discovery through East Hawaiʻi’s lush rainforests, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and local gems—without the rush or rigidity of a group tour. With pickup straight from your accommodation, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish.
What sets this tour apart from the rest is its flexibility and our trained guides knowledgeable in Hawaiian history and culture. Whether you prefer a laid-back sightseeing day with scenic stops and local treats or want to add a bit more adventure with longer walks and extra exploring, the itinerary can be customized to suit your group’s pace and interests. Travel comfortably with your own dedicated guide, enjoy meaningful stops along the way, and experience the diverse beauty that makes Hilo and the east side of the island so unforgettable.
Perfect for families, couples, or small groups, this private experience ensures you won’t be sharing your day with strangers—just your own company and an unforgettable day of waterfalls, black sand beaches, lava caves, and local flavor. If you’re looking for a personalized, immersive way to explore Hilo and beyond, this tour offers the perfect balance of comfort, flexibility, and adventure.
Included
- Binoculars
- Knowledgeable Guide
- Rain Gear
- Entrance Fee to National and State Parks
- Snacks & Refreshments
- Accommodation Pick Up/Drop Off
- Lunch Stop (price not included)
Excluded
- Cost/entry fee of any added attractions discussed when booked
- Gratuity
Things to know
Cancellations
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Cancellations
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 24 hours notice of cancellation. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Reviews
5 Verified reviews
Sarah Allison
March 12, 2026
10/10! The most incredible day on the island. Gary picked us up in a pristine van, had snacks and drinks, and took us to the best stops. A coffee farm, bakery, black sand beach (with a sea turtle show off), volcano national park, lunch in Hilo, Rainbow falls and the most impressi…
Susan Davenport
December 31, 2025
This excursion of Waterfalls and volcanos arranged by Gary and narrated by Chris is maybe the best trip we have ever been on! The communication was great, the details of everything we saw and experienced was beyond what we had hoped for. Our group of 8 would recommend this highly…
Rachel McCarty
December 10, 2025
Had a wonderful experience with Gary! He took me and my friends all around the island from Kona to Hilo, stopping to see both gorgeous tourist spots and hidden gems that I would never have had access to otherwise. Gary’s a knowledgeable guide and super accommodating. His tour van…
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From
$1,900
Why book with us?
- Book instantly directly with provider
- Get the lowest price guarantee
- Worry-free flexible cancellation policy
Human support:808-443-4924